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Most storms bring rain or snow, but how about sand? A sandstorm happens when great gusts of wind pick up sand and carry it for miles and miles. The clouds carrying the sand can be miles long. When the sandstorm hits, you're engulfed in sand and debris. You can't see anything and your eyes, mouth and nose are coated with sand.

Sandstorms are most common in dry, hot regions like the Sahara desert. They can happen in the United States, though, especially in dry, flat regions like Kansas and Oklahoma. Lots of people farm in these places so there is more bare earth to blow around.

Fun Facts about Sandstorms for Kids

Sandstorms can destroy property and hurt people.

Sandstorms lift the topsoil off the land. This topsoil is needed to grow crops.

Sandstorms happen most often in the summer.

Learn More All About Sandstorms and What Causes Them

Watch this video to learn how to keep safe from sandstorms:

Sandstorm Q&A

Question: What should I do in a sandstorm?

Answer: Sandstorms are slow moving so you might be able to outrun it in a car. Otherwise, go in a house and close all the windows and doors. Make sure you have water. Cover your eyes and nose with a mask or filter. If you're outside, hide behind a rock.

Enjoyed the Easy Science for Kids Website all about Sandstorms info? Take the FREE & fun all about Sandstorms quiz and download FREE Sandstorms worksheet for kids. For more lengthy info click here.

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Most storms bring rain or snow, but how about sand? A sandstorm happens when great gusts of wind pick up sand and carry it for miles and miles. The clouds carrying the sand can be miles long. When the sandstorm hits, you're engulfed in sand and debris.

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What is a sandstorm?
A sandstorm refers to a high amount of wind occurring in sandy areas, usually in deserts, where the wind speed is able to lift the top layer of sand from the ground, and push it in every imaginable direction.

What causes a sandstorm?
Wind! Dust storms arise when a gust front or other strong wind blows loose sand and dirt from a dry surface.

What's the difference between a sandstorm and a dust storm?
The term sandstorm is used most often in the context of desert sandstorms, especially in the Sahara Desert, or places where sand is a more prevalent soil type than dirt or rock, when, in addition to fine particles obscuring visibility, a considerable amount of larger sand particles are blown closer to the surface. The term dust storm is more likely to be used when finer particles are blown long distances, especially when the dust storm affects urban areas.
What is a haboob?
The word "haboob" comes from the Arabic word habb, meaning "wind." A haboob is a wall of dust as a result of a microburst or downburst. The air forced downward is pushed forward by the front of a thunderstorm cell, dragging dust and debris with it, as it travels across the terrain.

How high can a sandstorm get?
The sand involved in the sandstorm can reach heights of approximately 10-50 feet (3.05-15.24m). Usually, the height of a sandstorm corresponds to wind strength. Dust particles associated with some sandstorms have been found at 5000 feet (1524 m), though these are more rare.

How fast can sandstorms move?
Sandstorms have wind speeds of at least 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers), so they can happen really quickly. One minute they're not there, and the next minute they're right next to you!

Where do sandstorms occur?
You'll mostly find them in dry, hot desert regions. You can also find them in the US, especially in dry and flat regions like Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. They can occur is desert regions across the world.

When do sandstorms occur?
They mostly occur during summer, but can occur in spring too in the United States.

How big are the particles in a sandstorm?
A lot of the particles in a dust storm or sandstorm are between 0.08mm and 1mm which also means 0.0032 and 0.04 inches in size.

How do you navigate during a sandstorm?
It is very dangerous to navigate through a sandstorm, since your ability to see ahead can be severely obstructed. Additionally, sand can get into the nose, eyes, mouth and lungs. If you happen to be caught in a sandstorm protective eyewear like goggles, and wearing a moistened scarf over the nose and mouth are highly recommended.

What are some hazards of a sandstorm?
Sandstorms usually arrives suddenly in the form of an advancing wall of dust and debris which may be miles long and several thousand feet high. They strike with little warning, making driving conditions hazardous. Blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups. Sandstorms usually last only a few minutes, but the actions a motorist takes during the storm may be the most important of his or her life.

What was the Dust Bowl?
Of all the droughts that have occurred in the United States, the drought events of the 1930s are widely considered to be the "drought of record" for the nation. The 1930s drought is often referred to as if it were one episode, but it was actually several distinct events occurring in such rapid succession that affected regions were not able to recover adequately before another drought began. The term Dust Bowl was coined in 1935 to describe the drought-affected south central United States in the aftermath of horrific dust storms. Although it technically refers to the western third of Kansas, southeastern Colorado, the Oklahoma Panhandle, the northern two-thirds of the Texas Panhandle, and northeastern New Mexico, the Dust Bowl has come to symbolize the hardships of the entire nation during the 1930s.

How bad was the drought in the Dust Bowl years?
In the 1930s, drought covered virtually the entire Plains for almost a decade. The drought's direct effect is most often remembered as agricultural. Many crops were damaged by deficient rainfall, high temperatures, and high winds, as well as insect infestations and dust storms that accompanied these conditions. The resulting agricultural depression contributed to the Great Depression's bank closures, business losses, increased unemployment, and other physical and emotional hardships. Although records focus on other problems, the lack of precipitation would also have affected wildlife and plant life, and would have created water shortages for domestic needs.

What was the Black Sunday Dust Storm?
The 1930s were times of tremendous hardship on the Great Plains. Settlers dealt not only with the Great Depression, but also with years of drought that plunged an already-suffering society into an onslaught of relentless dust storms for days and months on end. They were known as dirt storms, sand storms, black blizzards, and "dusters." It seemed as if it could get no worse, but on Sunday, the 14th of April 1935, it got worse. The day is known in history as "Black Sunday," when a mountain of blackness swept across the High Plains and instantly turned a warm, sunny afternoon into a horrible blackness that was darker than the darkest night. Famous songs were written about it, and on the following day, the world would hear the region referred to for the first time as "The Dust Bowl."

Blowing Dust Advisory - Issued when blowing dust is expected to reduce visibility to between 1/4 and 1 mile, generally with winds of 25 mph or greater.

Sandstorm Warning - issued when visibility of 1/2 mile or less due to blowing dust or sand, and wind speeds of 25 miles an hour or more.

Dust Storm Warning - issued when visibility of 1/2 mile or less due to blowing dust or sand, and wind speeds of 25 miles an hour or more.

BEFORE A SANDSTORM: Know if you live in an area prone to sandstorms. Have a safety plan in case one happens.

DURING A SANDSTORM: If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated. Don't enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it. If you can't pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway. Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway. Make sure all of your lights are off when you park off the roadway.

AFTER A SANDSTORM: Make sure everyone around you is okay. Check for damage.

Lesson Plan: Here is a great lesson plan that teaches kids how dust is transported in the atmosphere.

Lesson Plan: This lesson plan teaches kids how to track dust storms or sand storms.

Lesson Plan: Here are several lesson plans regarding The Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

Science Fair Project Ideas: Here is a complete list of science fair project ideas. Discover the science behind the weather that impacts us every day.

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What is a sandstorm? A sandstorm refers to a high amount of wind occurring in sandy areas, usually in deserts, where the wind speed is able to lift the top layer of sand from the ground, and push it in every imaginable direction. What causes a sandstorm? Wind!

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They can speed across the ocean as fast as a jet plane, swallow up islands and wipe out villages.

But what causes tsuamis...? Join National Geographic Kids and dive into our tsunami facts to find out!

What causes a tsunami?

Meaning " great harbour wave" in Japanese, tsunamis are sometimes called "tidal waves" but their strength has nothing to do with the tides. About four out of five tsunamis happen within the Ring Of Fire, a zone in the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently take place.

Giant slabs of the Earth's crust, called tectonic plates, grind together. Sometimes, though, the plates get stuck, the pressure builds up and they suddenly slam into a new position. This causes an earthquake. If an earthquake lifts or drops part of the ocean floor, the water above rises and starts spreading across the ocean, causing a tsunami. Underwater landslides or volcanic eruptions can also displace water (cause water to spread across the ocean) and may lead to a tsunami.

How big is a tsunami?

Out in the open ocean, tsunami waves are only about one-metre high because the water is deep. However, as the water becomes shallow, the waves slow down and begin to grow. They can rise 35m or higher - that's the same as a 10-floor block of flats! However, the scariest thing about a tsunami is its wavelength, as this determines how far inland it can travel. Whereas a large wave caused by a storm might have a wavelength of up to 150m, a tsunami could reach up to a fearsome 1,000km!

How fast is a tsunami?

A normal wind wave travels at about 90kmh, but a tsunami can race across the ocean at an incredible 970kmh! Sometimes, before a tsunami hits, there is a huge vacuum effect, sucking water from harbours and beaches. People can see the ocean floor littered with flopping fish and other sea animals. Then a wave blasts onto the shore minutes later, then another and another for two hours or more. There may also be up to one hour between each wave.

Can you predict when a tsunami is coming?

To save lives, scientists established the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, based in Hawaii, in the USA. Its network of detectors can track quakes that may cause a tsunami. These waves can race from one side of the Pacific Ocean to the other in less than a day, so people need to be warned in time to head for higher ground!

What do you think of these tsunami facts? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!

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Tsunami facts: check out the mighty wave! - National Geographic Kids

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Check out these epic tsunami facts from National Geographic Kids! How do tsunamis form? And how big are they? Find out all about them in our tsunami facts...

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What is a Tsunami? Facts & Information - Geography for Kids | Educational Videos by Mocomi

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How Volcanoes Form

In 1980 in Washington, after 123 years of hibernation, Mount St. Helens erupted. The blast destroyed and scorched 230 square miles (370 square kilometers) of forest within minutes. The eruption released an avalanche of hot ash, gas, steam, and rocks that mowed down giant trees up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) away.

When magma finds a way to escape from beneath the earth's surface, it creates a volcano.

Volcanoes erupt in different ways. Some, like Mount St. Helens, explode. Explosive eruptions are so powerful, they can shoot particles 20 miles up (32 kilometers), hurl 8-ton boulders more than a half mile (0.8 kilometers) away, and cause massive landslides. Explosive eruptions also create an avalanche of hot volcanic debris, ash, and gas that bulldozes everything in its path. Explosive volcanoes cause most of the volcano-related fatalities.

Volcanoes, like Mauna Loa in Hawaii, are effusive. Rather than a violent explosion, lava pours or flows out. Fatalities from effusive volcanoes are rare because people can usually outrun the lava. However, some people get too close or become trapped with no escape. The flowing lava burns, melts, and destroys everything it touches including farms, houses, and roads.

A volcanic eruption forever changes the landscape. Though volcanoes destroy, they also create mountains, islands, and, eventually, incredibly fertile land.

Carpet of Ash

Volcanic eruptions can cause damage hundreds of miles away. Volcanic ash causes airplane engines to fail, destroys crops, contaminates water, and damages electronics and machinery. The ash carpets the ground, burying everything, sometimes even causing buildings to collapse. Mount St. Helens produced more than 490 tons of ash that fell over a 22,000 square mile (56,980 square kilometer) area and caused problems in cities 370 miles (600 kilometers) away.

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In 1980 in Washington, after 123 years of hibernation, Mount St. Helens erupted. The blast destroyed and scorched 230 square miles (370 square kilometers) of forest within minutes. The eruption released an avalanche of hot ash, gas, steam, and rocks that mowed down giant trees up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) away.

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What is a Volcano? Facts & Information - Geography for Kids | Educational Videos by Mocomi

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Find out what causes these deadly twisters—and how to stay safe.

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What are tornadoes?

Tornadoes are fierce rotating columns of air, that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cloud. These mostly occur in the United States.

What causes tornadoes?

As the warm air flows upwards, a downward air current forms, creating a thunderstorm. If a strong wind blows through the clouds, it twists the rising air currents into a whirlwind. This whirlwind spins faster and faster until it forms a tornado.

The wind generated by a tornado is the most powerful on the Earth, damaging almost everything that comes in its path. When a building comes in way of a tornado, the air pressure inside the building exceeds the air pressure outside. This is why many buildings which have come in way of a tornado, are known to have exploded. Most tornadoes in the United States occur in the Great Plains. In 1925, one of the fastest and largest tornadoes killed 689 people as it traveled 354 kilometers across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

3 Amazing facts about tornadoes

1. Winds generated by a tornado usually spin at about 500 kilometers per hour.

2. Tornadoes move at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.

3. Although tornadoes generally last less than an hour, they can cause lots of damage.

Things To Do

Where has the word tornado come from?

Who are storm chasers?

For more interesting Geography articles and videos, visit our Geography for Kids category.

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What is Tornado? - Geography for Kids | Mocomi

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Tornadoes are fierce rotating columns of air, that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cloud. These mostly occur in the United States. As the warm air flows upwards, a downward air current forms, creating a thunderstorm.

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http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-tsunami-for-kids/

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Thunderstorms

What is a thunderstorm?
A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning and thunder. Its produced by a cumulonimbus cloud, usually producing gusty winds, heavy rain and sometimes hail.

What causes a thunderstorm?
The basic ingredients used to make a thunderstorm are moisture, unstable air and lift. You need moisture to form clouds and rain. You need unstable air that is relatively warm and can rise rapidly. Finally, you need lift. This can form from fronts, sea breezes or mountains.

When are thunderstorms most likely to occur? Thunderstorms can occur year-round and at all hours. But they are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours.

It is estimated that there are around 1,800 thunderstorms that occur across our planet every day. How many thunderstorms are there every day?

Yes, despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes.
Are thunderstorms dangerous?

Lightning is a bright flash of electricity produced by a thunderstorm. All thunderstorms produce lightning and are very dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills and injures more people each year than hurricanes or tornadoes; between 75 to 100 people.
What is lightning?

Lightning is an electric current. Within a thundercloud way up in the sky, many small bits of ice (frozen raindrops) bump into each other as they move around in the air. All of those collisions create an electric charge. After a while, the whole cloud fills up with electrical charges. The positive charges or protons form at the top of the cloud and the negative charges or electrons form at the bottom of the cloud. Since opposites attract, that causes a positive charge to build up on the ground beneath the cloud. The grounds electrical charge concentrates around anything that sticks up, such as mountains, people, or single trees. The charge coming up from these points eventually connects with a charge reaching down from the clouds and - zap - lightning strikes!
What causes lightning?

Have you ever rubbed your feet across carpet and then touched a metal door handle? If so, then you know that you can get shocked! Lightning works in the same way.

Thunder is caused by lightning. When a lightning bolt travels from the cloud to the ground it actually opens up a little hole in the air, called a channel. Once then light is gone the air collapses back in and creates a sound wave that we hear as thunder. The reason we see lightning before we hear thunder is because light travels faster than sound!

Click Here to see where lightning is currently striking across the U.S.
If you see dark clouds, then lightning could be present, but the best thing you can do is to listen for thunder. If you hear thunder, then you need to go indoors or get in a car. Don't be outside, where lightning could strike! If your hair stands on end or your skin starts to tingle, lightning maybe about to strike. Get down on your hands and knees and keep your head tucked in. Do not lay flat, because it can give lightning a better chance of strike you.
What causes thunder?

Within those distant thunderstorms, the lightning bolts can be seen as much as 100 miles from us, depending on the height of the bolt, the clarity of the air, and our elevation. Thunder, in comparison, has a much shorter range of detection - usually less than 15 miles in a quiet rural setting and under 5 miles in a noisy city environment. How do you know if lightning is nearby?

Yes, you can use thunder to tell how far away a storm is. Next time you see a storm, count the number of seconds between when you see the lightning and hear the thunder. Take the number of seconds and divide by 5 and that will tell you how far away the storm is in miles. For example: If you counted 10 seconds between the lightning and the thunder, the lightning is 2 miles away!

How far away can you see lightning and hear thunder?
Hail is created when small water droplets are caught in the updraft of a thunderstorm. These water droplets are lifted higher and higher into the sky until they freeze into ice. Once they become heavy, they will start to fall. If the smaller hailstones get caught in the updraft again, they will get more water on them and get lifted higher in the sky and get bigger. Once they get lifted again, they freeze and fall. This happens over and over again until the hailstone is too heavy and then falls to the ground.

Can you tell how far away a storm is?

What is hail?

What is a gust front?
A gust front is the leading edge of the downdraft from a thunderstorm. It is usually marked by gusty cool winds, and sometimes blowing dust. You will feel the wind from the gust front before it starts to rain. What causes the wind to blow? Know the Lingo
As the sun warms the Earth's surface, the atmosphere warms too. Some parts of the Earth receive direct rays from the sun all year and are always warm. Other places receive indirect rays, so the climate is colder. Warm air, which weighs less than cold air, rises. Then cool air moves in and replaces the rising warm air. This movement of air is what makes the wind blow.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH - A severe thunderstorm (damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more, or 1" hail in diameter or greater) is likely to develop in your area.

DOWNDRAFT - A sudden descent of cool or cold air to the ground, usually with precipitation, and associated with a thunderstorm or shower. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - A severe thunderstorm (damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is taking place in your area.

UPDRAFT - A warm column of air that rises within a cloud. If the air is sufficiently moist, then the moisture condenses to become a cumulus cloud.
Know the Facts

The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.

Thunderstorms happen in every state and every thunderstorm has lightning.

Click Here to see if there are any active warnings in your area.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

IF YOU'RE INDOORS: Avoid water. It's a great conductor of electricity, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or do laundry. Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines. Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm. Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches.

IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING: Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or send for help immediately. The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them.
IF YOU'RE OUTDOORS: Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds. Lightning often proceeds rain, so don't wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately. The best place to go is a sturdy building or a car, but make sure the windows in the car are shut. Avoid sheds, picnic areas, baseball dugouts and bleachers. If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area, keeping twice as far away from a tree as far as it is tall. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder. If you're with a group of people stay about 15 feet from each other. Stay out of water, because it's a great conductor of electricity. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are not safe. Also, don't stand in puddles and avoid metal. Stay away from clotheslines, fences, and drop your backpacks because they often have metal on them. If you're playing an outdoor activity, wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder.

Thunderstorm Activities

Lightning Experiment: Here is a great experiment that allows kids to make lightning in their mouth. It's a great way for them to understand how lightning works.

Static Electricity Experiment: Here is an experiment that allows the kids to learn about static electricity. This teaches kids about the positive and negative charges and where they come from.

Static Electricity Experiment: Here is yet another static electricity experiment. This teaches kids about the positive and negative charges and where they come from.Static Electricity Experiment: Here is another static electricity experiment. This teaches kids about the positive and negative charges and where they come from.

Thunder Experiment: This experiment allows kids to make thunder, in a way that allows them to understand how it is made by lightning.
Pressure Experiment: Here is an experiment that shows how pressure is created in our atmosphere by sucking an egg in a bottle. This is a very cool experiment!
Science Fair Project Ideas: Here is a complete list of science fair project ideas. Discover the science behind the weather that impacts us every day.

Make A Barometer Experiment: Here is an experiment that allows the kids to make a barometer.

Evaporation Experiment: Here is an experiment that shows kids how evaporation takes place.

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Weather Wiz Kids weather information for kids

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Weather Wiz Kids is a fun and safe website for kids about all the weather info they need to know. It contains tools for weather education, including weather games, activities, experiments, photos, a glossary and educational teaching materials for the classroom.

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What Causes Thunder and Lightning? | Weather Science | SciShow Kids

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A sandstorm can caused when there are lots and lots of wind. It starts with huge clouds that carry dust. These miles long, dust carrying clouds have wind speed of 25 miles per hour. These dust storms can be really very quick and destructive. If a person gets caught in a sand storm, then he will be completely covered in dust and debris. And it will get in to his eyes, ears and mouth. These storms generally occur in dry and hot regions like the Sahara desert.
Facts you didn't know: -

Dust storms can really hurt or even kill people. It is the third most dangerous weather condition.

They can reach up to a mile in height.

You cannot breathe in the middle of a dust storm because the sky gets very thick with swirling sand.

These dust devils are known as 'willy willies' in Australia and as 'dancing devils' in America.

Camels can close their nostrils and use a thin third eyelid to cover their eyes. This helps them to keep the dust out of them.

A sandstorm starts with a plume of dust on the horizon.

The particles raised by sandstorms are extremely unhealthy to breathe in without a mask. Breathing in a dust storm could lead to cardiovascular, eye disease and other serious illness.

Desert people wear long robes as a protection against dust storms.

Strong and violent winds are the main cause of a sand storm.

Dust storms mostly occur during summer but can also occur in spring as well.

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A sandstorm can caused when there are lots and lots of wind. It starts with huge clouds that carry dust. These miles long, dust carrying clouds have wind speed of 25 miles per hour. These dust storms can be really very quick and destructive.

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volcano, vents or fissures in the earth's crust through which gases, molten rock, or lava, and solid fragments are discharged. Their study is called volcanology. The term volcano is commonly applied both to the vent and to the conical mountain (cone) built up around the vent by the erupted rock materials. Volcanoes are described as active, dormant, or extinct. The soil resulting from decomposition of volcanic materials is extremely fertile, and the ash itself is a good polishing and cleansing agent.

Sections in this article:

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2023, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Geology and Oceanography

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volcano, vents or fissures in the earth's crust through which gases, molten rock, or lava, and solid fragments are discharged. Their study is called volcanology. The term volcano is commonly applied both to the vent and to the conical mountain (cone)

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A tornado might have carried Dorothy on a great adventure to the land of Oz, but in real life, you don't want to get anywhere near one. Tornadoes happen when warm air from the Gulf of Mexico mixes with cold air from Canada, creating unstable conditions. Warm air mixing with cold air can cause vertical columns of rotating air, accompanied by thunderstorms.

Tornadoes are fascinating, but incredibly dangerous. They can move more than 300 miles per hour and destroy everything in their path. They can blow cars hundreds of yards and move straw with such force that it sticks on tree trunks.

Fun Facts about Tornadoes for Kids

A funnel cloud is a cone-shaped cloud that doesn't reach the ground. A tornado happens when the funnel cloud touches to the ground.

Most tornadoes last only a few minutes. The most severe ones can last more than one hour.

Tornadoes happen most often in the Great Plains states, which include Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and Arkansas.

Tornadoes usually happen in the spring and summer. Sometimes they bring hail with them.

There are over 1,000 tornadoes in the U.S. every year.

Tornado Vocabulary

1. Adventure: fun, thrilling experience

2. Unstable: unpredictable, potentially dangerous

3. Vertical: up and down instead of side to side

4. Fascinating: interesting

Learn More All About Tornadoes

Check out this amazing video all about tornadoes:

A news clip of a tornado hitting Texas in 2013.

Tornado QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Answer 1: Turn on a radio or watch your television in a thunderstorm. If you hear the words "tornado watch," you know a Tornado could happen. If you hear the words "tornado warning," a tornado has been spotted. Take cover right away.

Question 2: Where should I go in a Tornado?

Answer 2: Indoors, head to a basement or a room on the first floor without windows. A closet or bathroom is a good place. Hide under a table if you can. Outdoors, get down in a ditch or other low area. Don't try to outrun a tornado.

Answer 3: Yes a Tornado and a Twister are the same thing, just different wording. Although some people refer to the term twister as a small tornado. Meteorologists tend only to use Tornado.

Answer 4: Unfortunately the United States suffers most Tornadoes. Nowhere in the US can be sure to avoid a tornado but states like Texas, Oklahoma and Florida bare the brunt of them.

Answer 5: A Tornado is measured based on the wind intensity. The F Scale (Fujita Scale) is the categorized terminology used for measuring Tornadoes. The range goes from F0 to F5. If you hear about F5 Tornadoes you can rest assure that there will be plenty of destruction.

Answer 6: This can vary, a Tornado typically lasts no longer than 10 minutes but that's not to say they don't continue much longer. In fact a Tornado can last up to hour or more but thankfully this is rare.

Question 7: What is the wind speed of a Tornado?

Answer 7: Tornadoes can have wind speeds from 110 mph to 300 mph. An F5 Tornado has the more powerful devastating winds.

Answer 8: Although a Tornado can occur anytime of the year the northern states are more at risk during the summer months while southern states are more at risk from March to May. As mentioned above these are only peak times, a Tornado can strike anytime of the year.

Enjoyed the Easy Science for Kids Website all about Tornadoes info? Take the FREE & fun all about Tornadoes quiz and download FREE Tornadoes worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.

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A tornado might have carried Dorothy on a great adventure to the land of Oz, but in real life, you don't want to get anywhere near one. Tornadoes happen when warm air from the Gulf of Mexico mixes with cold air from Canada, creating unstable conditions.

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In August, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, bringing with it blowing winds, heavy rains and surging sea water. New Orleans is situated in the Gulf of Mexico, right on the water. Dams and levees have been built to protect the city, but they weren't enough. The levees broke in several places and 85 percent of the city was flooded. More than 1,000 people died and 100,000 people lost their homes.

Floods Facts for Kids

Floods are when land usually dry gets covered by water.

They can be caused by heavy rain or melting snow.

Rivers can flood if they get too full.

Flash floods happen quickly, with little warning.

Floods can damage homes and roads.

They can also harm wildlife habitats.

It's important to move to high ground in a flood.

Never walk or drive through floodwater.

Floods can bring mud and debris.

Preparation can reduce damage from floods.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters aren't always fun to talk about, but they're incredibly fascinating and it's important for us to understand them, especially something as powerful as floods!

Floods can happen anytime, anywhere, and they're often caused by heavy rain, melting snow, or even a dam breaking. They can move cars, destroy houses, and sadly, sometimes even take lives.

But did you know that floods can also help nature? They can spread nutrients to places that don't usually get them, helping plants to grow. So, while they can be very destructive, they also serve an important purpose in our ecosystem.

Remember, whenever there's a flood warning, it's crucial to listen to the experts and stay safe!

Rainfall and Precipitation

Imagine you're outside, feeling the gentle pitter-patter of rain on your skin. That's precipitation in action. Precipitation is all about water falling from the sky. It can be rain, sleet, hail, or snow. It starts when tiny drops of water in clouds join together and get too heavy to stay in the sky. Then, they fall down to the ground.

However, when it rains too much, it can lead to problems like floods. Floods happen when a lot of water quickly covers an area that's usually dry. It's like when you're taking a bath and you fill the tub too much, the water spills over the edges. That's what happens with floods, but on a much bigger scale. And just like a messy bathroom, floods can cause a lot of damage.

Weather Patterns

You've probably noticed how the weather changes from day to day and season to season, right? That's all part of the fascinating world of weather patterns. These patterns are the daily changes in things like wind, temperature, and humidity. They're caused by the Earth's rotation and the tilt of its axis.

In some places, weather patterns can lead to heavy rainfall. If a lot of rain falls in a short time, it can cause a flood. Floods happen when rivers, lakes, or streams overflow onto the land around them. They can also occur when there's too much rain for the ground to absorb.

It's important to understand these patterns so you can prepare for possible floods. Stay safe and keep an eye on the weather!

Climate Change

It's no secret that our planet's climate is undergoing significant changes, with effects felt worldwide. You've probably heard about melting glaciers, rising temperatures, and more frequent storms. But did you know that these changes can also lead to more frequent and severe floods?

Climate change increases the likelihood of heavy rainfalls. When it rains too much, too fast, the ground can't soak up all the water. This overflow can cause floods. Not to mention, warmer temperatures melt snow quicker, contributing to even larger floods in certain areas.

So, what can we do about it? Well, it's crucial to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to slow down climate change. Remember, every little bit helps, so try to do your part!

River Systems

Ever wondered how rivers, these winding waterways, play a crucial role in shaping our planet's landscapes and ecosystems? Well, let's dive in!

Rivers start as small streams in the mountains and gather more water as they flow downhill, becoming wider and deeper. They create valleys, canyons, and floodplains, shaping the land around them.

Rivers also play a big part in floods. See, when it rains too much, rivers can't handle all the extra water. They overflow their banks, and that's when we get floods. But don't think all floods are bad! Some are actually helpful, bringing rich soil to farms and helping new plants grow.

So, remember, while rivers can lead to floods, they are also vital for life on Earth.

Emergency Preparedness

Despite the beauty and benefits of rivers, we can't ignore the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Floods can happen anytime, and it's crucial to know what to do when they occur.

Always have an emergency kit ready, containing food, water, medications, and important documents.

Remember to listen to local news or a weather radio for updates. If a flood warning is issued, head to higher ground immediately. Don't try to walk or drive through floodwaters; it's dangerous and can sweep you away.

After a flood, be cautious when returning home. Check for damages and beware of animals that may have been displaced.

Teach these facts to your kids, so they know how to react during a flood. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Water Cycle

Speaking of emergency preparedness, understanding the water cycle can help you grasp why floods occur and how we can potentially prevent them.

Imagine this: the sun's heat causes water from oceans, lakes, and rivers to evaporate. This vapor then rises, cools, and condenses into clouds. When the clouds get too heavy, precipitation happens - it falls as rain, snow, or hail.

Normally, the ground absorbs the rainfall. But if the rain is too heavy or too quick, or if the ground is already saturated, flooding can occur.

This is a simplified view of the complex water cycle, but it helps explain why and when floods happen. By understanding this, you can better prepare for potential flood situations.

Knowledge is indeed power, especially when it comes to natural disasters.

Hydrology

Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth. It examines how water interacts with the environment in every part of the water cycle we've discussed.

Hydrologists, the scientists who study hydrology, play a crucial role in predicting and managing floods. When heavy rain falls, rivers can overflow, leading to floods. Hydrologists use tools like rain gauges and stream gauges to monitor rainfall and river levels. They can predict when and where floods might occur, helping to keep people safe.

Hydrologists are also responsible for analyzing the flood's impact on the environment and helping to develop strategies for flood control. Understanding hydrology is vital in our fight against floods.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a cruel reality that occurs when heavy rain washes away the rich, fertile soil that once nurtured our gardens. When floods happen, they not only carry away water, but also take the soil along with them. This natural process can become a significant problem when human activities like deforestation accelerate it.

Without trees and plants to hold the soil together, it becomes easily swept away by floodwaters. Consequently, this leads to less nutritious soil available for plants to grow in and an increase in sediment in our rivers and streams. The presence of excess sediment can harm fish and other wildlife, making it crucial for everyone who depends on the environment to understand the impact of soil erosion.

Therefore, it is essential for us all to do our part in preventing soil erosion and protecting our planet.

Dams and Levees

You've likely marveled at the sheer might and beauty of dams and levees, but have you ever considered their crucial role in our lives? These enormous structures are built to manage water flow and prevent disastrous floods.

Think of a dam as a giant wall. It's built across rivers to store water. When there's a lot of rain, a dam holds back the extra water. This prevents it from causing a flood downstream.

On the other hand, levees are like huge mounds of earth built along rivers. They act like barriers, stopping the river from overflowing its banks during heavy rain.

So, next time you see a dam or a levee, remember they're not just impressive landmarks. They're also our silent guardians, protecting us from the dangers of floods.

Floods have occurred for millions of years. Some floods are caused by ferocious storms and hurricanes. Others happen when a dam breaks or even when a beaver dam backs up water flow. Floods are the most expensive natural disaster, causing millions of dollars of damage. Most of the time, floods happen over a few days so people can prepare and evacuate. Sometimes floods happen quickly when lots of rain falls.

Fun Facts about Floods for Kids

In ancient Egypt, people liked the floods along the Nile River because the floods brought rich soil for farming.

Builders sometimes drain wetlands for homes and businesses. These wetlands are important not just because they harbor wildlife, but because they provide a place for water to go during storms.

If the weather suddenly turns hot, flooding can happen because snow in the mountains melts too quickly.

Floods Vocabulary

All about Floods Video for Kids

Check out this cool video all about floods for kids:

A documentary about floods: why it happens and its effects.

Floods Q&A

Question: How can I be safe in a flood?

Answer: Never play around lakes, streams and rivers without an adult. Go to higher ground if heavy rainfall and flooding occur. If you get caught in a flood, head to higher ground.

Enjoyed the Easy Earth Science for Kids Website all about Floods info? Take the FREE & fun Floods quiz and download FREE Floods worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.

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Easy Science for Kids - All About Floods. The most expensive kind of disaster is the flood. Read on for more easy science information for kids about floods.

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Rain is pouring hard and fast-more than eight inches in just an hour, turning river water brown with mud. Earthworms wiggle up to the ground as the soil becomes too wet for them. A flood might be coming.

Just about any place on Earth can experience flooding. When so much rain falls that the ground can't absorb it or waterways can't hold it, the overflowing water becomes a destructive force. In the United States, flooding causes more death and damage than tornadoes, hurricanes, or lightning.

How floods develop

During a rainstorm, precipitation-or the water that comes from rain or snow-goes to different places. Some of it flows into streams, lakes, or city water systems. Other precipitation evaporates and returns to the atmosphere.

But much of the rainwater is absorbed by soil. It flows through the top layer of the ground, to plant roots below the surface. This helps provides plants with the water and nutrients they need to grow. The excess water moves deeper into the ground through layers of dirt and rocks where until it becomes part of natural underground wells called groundwater.

A habitat can naturally absorb a healthy amount of rainfall it needs to thrive. But too much rain can cause lake and river levels to rise and overflow their banks, or the soil to become too wet to absorb more water. And though you might think extremely dry habitats would welcome too much rain, it turns out that the parched dirt can't absorb the rain fast enough to capture it all.

Severe coastal storms, quickly melting ice and snow, and collapsed barriers (like concrete dams) can also cause floods. Even damaged beaver dams can lead to an overflow of water that the surrounding earth can't absorb.

Different types of floods

Floods can form slowly over several days or overwhelm an area with little warning. How quickly a flood forms often depends on the habitat.

Slow-forming river flooding happens in regions called floodplains. These are large, flat areas of land along waterways with very shallow banks. When big storms hit, the water overflows the banks and spreads out across the plains.

This type of flooding isn't always bad. It brings nutrients to the surrounding soil, making it fertile for growing crops. That's why many people live in or near floodplains.

But too much water can destroy crops and damage homes. Rushing water can disrupt ecosystems by moving aquatic plants and animals to other habitats. And if flooding is so severe that it flows into local water treatment facilities, experts must monitor the incoming water to make sure the water is safe.

Another type of flooding is called a flash flood, when a flood happens within six hours of a heavy rainfall-as much as eight inches an hour. With no place to go, the moving water will tear through highways, valleys, and canyons, washing away vehicles, roads, bridges, and houses.

Quickly melting ice and snow can also cause flash flooding, especially when mountain snowmelt overflows the waterways below. On coastlines, hurricane rains cause water levels to rise, and the high winds push that water onto land. Called a storm surge, this also causes flash flooding.

Flooding in the future

Scientists believe that warming temperatures caused by climate change are increasing the risk of floods all over the world, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.

Warmer water changes the patterns of ocean currents, which changes global weather patterns. This means that some places will receive more rainfall than the ground can absorb. Other places will get less rain so the land will be drier-and unable to handle rainfall when it does occur.

Scientists think that climate change could also cause stronger hurricanes, with more rain and higher winds causing bigger storm surges. A warmer climate could also mean more snowmelt overwhelming the soil; melting polar ice could cause sea levels to rise and increase flooding. ( Find out how you can help slow climate change.)

How to survive a flood

Experts might issue a flash flood watch if weather conditions are right. It doesn't mean flooding will happen but that meteorologists want people to be prepared. When experts are sure a flash flood is on the way, they issue a warning so people can evacuate immediately. Here's how to keep you and your family safe.

Before a flood
* Know your neighborhood. Research how close you are to streams, drainage channels, canyons, and any other low-lying areas that might flood.
* Keep emergency contact phone numbers in one place so you can get in touch with family members.
* Put together an evacuation plan and share it with everyone in your household. Know what paths and routes you can use to quickly get to a high, dry place.
* Conduct flood drills to practice evacuating quickly.
* Maintain an emergency kit with a three-day supply of food and water. Experts recommend canned or dried foods that don't need to be cooked, and at least one gallon of water per day for each person and pet.

During a flood
* Never wait for orders to leave; if you think a flood might be coming, evacuate immediately.
* If flooding hasn't started, move important items to upper floors of your house.
* If flooding has already started where you are, move to the highest place you can find, like a roof of a house or car. Bring as much food, water, and sheltering blankets as possible.
* Never walk through flood water, especially if it's moving. Hazardous chemicals, sewage, and even wild animals are often in floodwater, and just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
* If you must walk through water to escape, walk where the water is still. Never touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water, or even if you're wet.
* If water is quickly rising while you're in your car, leave your vehicle and move to higher ground, like a hill or bridge.

After a flood
* If you've evacuated your house, return only after you're given the all-clear from officials.
* If you stayed put, check your house for damage to electrical systems and appliances. Get rid of any food that might be contaminated from floodwater (or because it's been unrefrigerated for awhile).
* Check your home for wild animals, especially snakes. They can get washed into your home with the floodwater.
* Ask an adult before you use water to brush your teeth, make food, or even wash your hands. Flooding can contaminate water and make you sick.

Adapted by Laura Goertzel from the National Geographic article " Floods, explained" by Christina Nunez
Flooding safety tips from the Nat Geo Kids book Extreme Weather by Thomas Kostigen

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Rain is pouring hard and fast-more than eight inches in just an hour, turning river water brown with mud. Earthworms wiggle up to the ground as the soil becomes too wet for them. A flood might be coming. Just about any place on Earth can experience flooding.

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Most often flooding is caused by heavy rains over a long period of time. After a lot of rain, the ground becomes full of water, and new rainwater runs off, or flows downhill. That runoff goes directly into streams and rivers. In springtime the rain may be combined with melting snow. Because of the extra water flowing into the streams and rivers, their water level rises. If the level rises so much that the water overflows the banks, a flood occurs.

Flooding can be worse if there is not much vegetation (trees, grass, and other plants) on the land around rivers. In general, land that has little vegetation is less able to absorb water. The result is a larger amount of water entering a river system.

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When water overflows onto dry land, a flood takes place. Floods have always been a part of life on Earth. Almost every culture has a legend about a great flood. Since ancient...

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Thunderstorms are small, intense weather systems that make strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. Thunderstorms can happen anywhere with two conditions: the air near the Earth's surface must be warm and moist (with lots of liquid), and the atmosphere must be unstable. 100 lightning bolts hit the earth every second, and at any one moment, about 1,800 thunderstorms happen around the earth.

Thunderstorms are rare in winter, mostly because of cold weather. When they happen, it is called thundersnow. Thundersnow is common in blizzards.

Usually there are more clouds in the afternoon than in early morning. This is because the ground has warmed up enough by the afternoon for winds () to blow upward from the ground. When the air has gone high enough, the water vapor in it condenses into a cloud. The height where this happens depends on the temperature and humidity of the air. Sometimes the air can rise up as high as 5,000 to 10,000 feet (1,524 to 3,048 m) before a small cumulus cloud can condense from the invisible water vapor.

High, puffy little clouds do not change until a lot of moisture is added. This moisture helps the updraft. Moisture can add heat, which means the cloud will warm up inside and go up even faster. The moisture makes the cumulus cloud "mushroom" upwards and turn into a tall cumulus cloud. The winds inside this cloud are very strong. Thunder and lightning begins when the top of the cloud is 25,000 feet (7,280 m) high. The inside of the cloud is, by this time, cold enough so that the water drops are turned into ice crystals. A cumulus cloud stops growing when it hits the warm stratosphere. Some thunderstorms grow twice as high as Mount Everest!

Strong upper winds in the stratosphere smooth and spread the top of the cloud. This make the cloud look like the top of a mushroom or an anvil. The ice crystals in the anvil cloud give it a fuzzy look. As a thunderstorm grows, water drops or ice crystals inside the cloud hit and mix with each other, getting bigger. The bottom of the cloud grows dark with water about to fall. When the drops become so heavy that the winds inside the cloud cannot keep them up any more, they fall from the cloud as rain or hail. Even as they fall the water drops grow by mixing with the smaller drops, and makes big raindrops. Hail becomes bigger inside the cloud. One thunderstorm cloud usually runs out of energy in about 30 to 50 minutes. But supercell thunderstorms can last for hours until they dissipate by outflow.

Thunderstorms are very active with electricity and so are also called electrical storms. Lightning is a large electrical discharge that happens between two opposite charged surfaces.

When lightning strikes, energy is let out. This energy moves to the air and makes air spread quickly and send out sound waves. Thunder is the sound that comes from the rapid spread of air along the lightning strike. Thunder is slower than lightning, because light is faster than sound.

Severe thunderstorms

Only about 10% of thunderstorms are thought severe. Severe thunderstorms cause high winds of more than 58 miles per hour (93 km/h), hail 1 inch in diameter (24 mm), flash floods, and tornadoes. Hailstorms damage crops, damage the metal on cars, and break windows. Sudden flash floods that happen because of heavy rains is the biggest reason for weather-related deaths.

Lightning, which happens with all thunderstorms, makes thousands of forest fires each year in the United States. Lightning also kills or injures hundreds of people a year in the United States.

Regular thunderstorms begin when warm air near the ground mix with moist air, which makes an updraft (a wind that goes upward). A severe thunderstorm needs a strong updraft and a strong down draft. A strong updraft is made when, firstly, the ground is very hot; secondly, when the air is very moist; and thirdly, the air above is very cold. When the updraft gets stronger, so does the thunderstorm.

Flash floods happen when slow-moving thunderstorms pour down much more water than usual in a small area. It rains so hard that the water can not soak into the ground fast enough, and the water rushes down the mountainsides or hills into streams and rivers. These streams and rivers cannot carry all the water, so it quickly floods. The most severe flash flood makes the water level rise dangerously in streams, dry places, or canyons. Flash floods can make terrible mud slides and can move very quickly. They can roll big rocks, tear out trees, and destroy buildings and bridges.

Flash floods can also happen when two or more thunderstorms hit the same spot, one right after the other. They can happen when a dam bursts open or ice breaks up. Flash floods can also happen when it rains very hard on quickly melting snow.

Thunderstorms do not do only damage; however, they can be a great help to man and all living creatures. We get lots of water for many continents during the summer. Plants receive lots of life-giving rain when they need it. Without the thunderstorms, many continents would become dry. Fish would die, crops would fail, and animals would die.

Thunderstorms are also our natural air conditioners. Hot air at the surface rises up into the high atmosphere where the heat is put out into space. Clouds give us shades, and rain can cool down a hot day. Without thunderstorms, the earth would be as much as 20 °F (11 °C) warmer. In the summer, dust, haze, and other pollutants come together in the lower atmosphere. When the air rises, either in cumulus clouds or in thunderstorms, spreads the pollution higher up into the atmosphere. Rain from thunderstorms washes away many of these pollutants out of the air.

Lightning in thunderstorms also helps keep the electrical balance between the earth and the atmosphere. Lightning is also fertilizer. When it splits through the sky, it changes nitrogen gas in the air to nitrogen compounds. These fall to the ground and are added to the soil. Nitrogen is one of the main ingredients in fertilizer. Ten percent of the nitrogen fertilizer needed for farming is made by lightning.

So, even though thunderstorms are dangerous, they can be a great help. They give summer water, cool the earth, and clean the air. Lightning balances the earth's electricity and helps fertilize the soil. And after a thunderstorm, sometimes there is a rainbow.

Keeping safe in a storm

Some tips to keep safe in a thunderstorm are:

If lightning comes near, try to find shelter in a house, car, or low place under some small trees, but not in a shed. Inside a house, do not use the telephone or any electrical things. Do not take a bath or a shower.

Stay away from water because water conducts electricity.

Do not stand on a hilltop. Try not to be the tallest object.

Do not look for shelter under a tree by itself.

Stay away from metal (like pipes, fences, and wire clotheslines).

If your hair stands on end while outside, immediately drop to the ground and curl up in a ball-like shape.

If there is a flash flood, stay out of low places. Cars should not be driven through water that is flowing over a road or bridge. It might look shallow (not deep), but quickly flowing water can wash a car right off a road or a bridge. It only takes two feet of water to float most cars. Also, the road under the water might already have been washed out, leaving a deep hole. A flash flood can easily turn over a car and trap everyone inside. So, if your car stops in flood waters, get out as fast as possible and run to higher ground. Nearly half the people who die in flash floods in the United States die inside automobiles.

Mythology and religion

Thunderstorms strongly influenced many early civilizations. Greeks believed that they were battles waged by Zeus, who hurled lightning bolts forged by Hephaestus. Some American Indian tribes associated thunderstorms with the Thunderbird, who they believed was a servant of the Great Spirit. The Norse considered thunderstorms to occur when Thor went to fight Jötnar, with the thunder and lightning being the effect of his strikes with the hammer Mjölnir. Hinduism recognizes Indra as the god of rain and thunderstorms. Christian doctrine accepts that fierce storms are the work of God. These ideas were still within the mainstream as late as the 18th century.

Martin Luther was out walking when a thunderstorm began, causing him to pray to God for being saved and promising to become a monk.

Outside of Earth

Thunderstorms, evidenced by flashes of lightning, on Jupiter have been detected and are associated with clouds where water may exist as both a liquid and ice, suggesting a mechanism similar to that on Earth. (Water is a polar molecule that can carry a charge, so it is capable of creating the charge separation needed to produce lightning). These electrical discharges can be up to a thousand times more powerful than lightning on the Earth. The water clouds can form thunderstorms driven by the heat rising from the interior. The clouds of Venus may also be capable of producing lightning; some observations suggest that the lightning rate is at least half of that on Earth.

Images for kids

In Spanish: Tormenta eléctrica para niños